Orthodontic tooth retention system

ABSTRACT

An orthodontic retainer system including retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient&#39;s mouth, and a method and apparatus for delivering the system. The retainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attracted members, such as magnets, that are temporary coupled on opposites sides of a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and sloped and curved lingual surfaces, and may include a magnet that is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that has the same shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistant biocompatible material. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery member is substantially L-shaped, which advantageously allows an orthodontist to enter only a small portion of the patient&#39;s oral cavity to position the retainer modules on a patient&#39;s teeth, and eases the orthodontist&#39;s delivery of the retainer modules by substantially eliminating the need for the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move the patient&#39;s lips, tongue, and/or cheeks. The delivery member may also include pusher elements that contact the retainer modules for exerting a force against the modules to press same firmly against the teeth in order to enhance bonding between the modules and the teeth.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 11/969,423, entitled ORTHODONTIC TOOTH RETENTIONSYSTEM, filed on Jan. 4, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part ofco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/689,674, filed Mar. 22,2007, entitled ORTHODONTIC TOOTH RETENTION SYSTEM, which is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/122,946, filed May 5, 2005, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORPOSITIONING AN ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE, now abandoned, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to orthodontics, and, more particularly,to an orthodontic tooth retention system for delivering pairs of magnetsfor application to adjacent teeth to retain the teeth in a desiredposition.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Orthodontic appliances incorporating a variety of arrangements ofmutually attracted elements, such as magnets, have been proposed. Someprior arrangements use magnets as a retaining device to retain teeth ina corrected position as a secondary function to primary tooth movement.Magnetic elements have also been used in combination with dentures forretaining the dentures in the mouth. When magnets are used as retainingdevices, the magnets are placed onto teeth and the attractive forcebetween the magnets provides a retaining force, thereby preventing theadjacent teeth from moving apart.

Other arrangements use magnets as corrective devices to move teeth intoa corrected position. The conventional way for moving teeth in the mouthusually involves orthodontic appliances, such as braces and wires thatexert a constant force on the tooth that needs to be moved. An elasticmember creating the constant force must periodically be adjusted by adentist or orthodontist. Many times dental appliances, including aretainer wire, are required across the front of the teeth to preventexcessive movement of the teeth.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an orthodontic retainer system includingretainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient'smouth, and to a method and apparatus for delivering the system. Theretainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attractedmembers, such as magnets, that are temporary coupled on opposite sidesof a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair ofteeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have roundedand/or chamfered edges and a sloped lingual surface, and may include amagnet that is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that hasthe same shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistantbiocompatible material. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery memberis substantially L-shaped, which advantageously allows an orthodontistto enter only a small portion of the patient's oral cavity to positionthe retainer modules on a patient's teeth, and eases the orthodontist'sdelivery of the retainer modules by substantially eliminating the needfor the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move the patient's lips,tongue, and/or cheeks. The delivery member may also include pusherelements that contact the retainer modules for exerting a force againstthe modules to press same firmly against the teeth in order to enhancebonding between the modules and the teeth.

In another exemplary embodiment, the retainer system includes a magnetcarrier portion having a recess which contains an adhesive material. Themagnets may be embedded in the adhesive material. Once positioned onadjacent teeth, the adhesive material is cured and the carrier isremoved to reveal an envelope or shaped profile of the adhesivematerial. The shaped profile of the adhesive material obviates the needto post-form adhesive material around the magnets after attaching themagnets to the adjacent teeth. Furthermore, the shaped profile mayinclude a smooth surface. The adhesive material may also beaesthetically colored to match the coloring of the adjacent teeth. Thecarrier may be formed of a water soluble material or may be a flexiblematerial.

In another embodiment, a method and apparatus for delivering anorthodontic appliance is provided wherein pairs of mutually attractedmembers, e.g., magnets, are applied to adjacent teeth, thereby retainingthe teeth in a desired position, for example, after the teeth have beenmoved to new positions by conventional orthodontic techniques. Themagnets may be very small magnets which may be gold plated. Generally,the magnets are biocompatible.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method of applying the magnets to theteeth includes placing two magnets on opposite sides of a thin metalstrip, or a non-magnetic strip of material such as Mylar® material,available from DuPont Teijin Films, of Hopewell, Va. Because the magnetsare attracted to each other, they will stay in place on opposite sidesof the strip. An adhesive is applied to each magnet, and/or to the teethto which the magnets will be secured. In one exemplary embodiment,primer material is applied to the adjacent teeth in the locations wherethe magnets are to be placed and the adhesive is applied to the magnets.The strip is then placed in the space between two adjacent teeth. Thestrip is then drawn forward between the adjacent teeth until theadhesive material on the magnets touches the primer material on theadjacent teeth. This allows ideal positioning of the magnets asdetermined by their individual magnetic fields. An ultraviolet orvisible light source can be used to cure the adhesive, and retain eachof the magnets in place on one of the two adjacent teeth. The strip isthen removed by pulling it through the space between the adjacent teeth,thereby leaving behind the magnets secured to the adjacent teeth. Themagnets will retain the adjacent teeth in their positions because of themagnetic attraction between the magnets.

In one form thereof, the present invention provides an orthodonticretainer system for use on teeth, including: a delivery member,including: a gripping portion extending along a gripping portion axis;and a retention portion extending along a retention portion axis, thegripping portion joined to the retention portion at an angle such thatthe delivery member is substantially L-shaped; and a pair of dentalmodules coupled to the delivery member.

In another form thereof, the present invention provides a dental modulefor use on teeth as part of an orthodontic retainer system, including: atooth engaging surface; a bottom surface having opposing ends, wherein adistance between the opposing ends of the bottom surface defines a widthof the dental module, the bottom surface forming a first angle with thetooth engaging surface; a lingual surface forming a second angle with atleast one of the tooth engaging surface and the bottom surface, whereinthe second angle is less then ninty degrees; and at least one chamferededge defined between at least one of the tooth engaging surface, thebottom surface, and the lingual surface and another of the toothengaging surface, the bottom surface, and the lingual surface.

In yet another form thereof, the present invention provides a method ofapplying a dental module to a tooth having a lingual side, including thesteps of: providing a substantially L-shaped delivery member;positioning at least one dental module on the delivery member; insertingthe delivery member between a pair of adjacent teeth; advancing thedelivery member in an anterior direction to remove the delivery memberfrom between the pair of adjacent teeth.

In a further form thereof, the present invention provides an orthodonticretainer system for use on teeth, including a pair of retainer modules,each including a cover member made of a first, biocompatible materialand including an interproximal surface; a magnet received within thecover member; and a tooth-facing bonding surface; and a delivery memberincluding a strip of material disposed between the retainer modules, theinterproximal surfaces of the cover members in direct engagement withrespective opposite sides of the strip with the retainer modules coupledto the strip by mutual magnetic attraction of the magnets.

In a further form thereof, the present invention provides a method ofapplying a pair of retainer modules respectively to a pair of adjacentteeth for use in aiding the retention of relative positions of theteeth, the method including the steps of: placing a pair of magneticretainer modules on respective opposite sides a delivery member in theform of a strip of material, with interproximal surfaces of the retainermodules directly engaging the strip and the strip captured between theretainer modules by mutual magnetic attraction of the retainer modules;inserting the strip between a pair of adjacent teeth along a directionfrom occlusal surfaces of the teeth toward the gum tissue between theteeth to position the retainer modules adjacent respective lingual sidesof the adjacent teeth; moving the strip along a lingual-facial directionto move the retainer modules toward the lingual sides of the adjacentteeth; capturing the retainer modules between a pair of pusher elementsfixed to the strip and the lingual sides of the adjacent teeth; securingthe retainer modules to the lingual sides of the adjacent teeth with anadhesive; and withdrawing the strip from between the adjacent teethalong a direction from the gum tissue between the teeth toward theocclusal surfaces of the teeth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features of this disclosure, and themanner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be betterunderstood by reference to the following description of embodiments ofthe disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a delivery member of the presentdisclosure, further illustrating a coupled pair of mutually attractedmembers;

FIG. 2 is an occlusal view of an individual's teeth, furtherillustrating the several steps of the method of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an occlusal view of a portion of an individual's teeth,further illustrating an alternative embodiment orthodontic retainersystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an occlusal view of a portion of an individual's teeth,further illustrating the orthodontic retainer system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a posterior view of the portion of an individual's teeth shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a capsule of the present disclosure,further illustrating a mutually attracted dental module encapsulatedtherein;

FIG. 7A is a partial sectional occlusal view of an orthodontic retainersystem according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of FIG. 7A,taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 8-19 are partial sectional occlusal views of exemplary steps in amethod of attaching a pair of magnets to a pair of adjacent teeth,wherein:

FIG. 8 shows the pair of magnets spaced from the pair of adjacent teethbefore attachment thereto;

FIG. 9 shows the pair of magnets temporarily attached to the pair ofadjacent teeth prior to curing the adhesive material;

FIG. 10 shows a curing instrument for curing the adhesive material;

FIG. 11 shows an instrument for dispensing water onto the system;

FIG. 12 shows the carrier partially dissolved;

FIG. 13 shows the carrier completely dissolved to reveal the adhesivematerial profile;

FIG. 14 shows the removal of an alternative carrier with a dentalinstrument;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mutually attractive member accordingto another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a lingual view of the mutually attractive member of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the mutually attractive member ofFIG. 16 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the mutually attractive member ofFIG. 17 taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a delivery member according to anotherexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery member of FIG. 19taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the delivery member of FIG. 19, furtherillustrating a pair of coupled mutually attractive members according tothe embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery member of FIG. 21taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21, further illustrating the pair ofcoupled mutually attractive members of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an occlusal view of the delivery member and pair of coupledmutually attractive members of FIG. 21 from the perspective of line23-23 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is an occlusal view of the delivery member and mutuallyattractive members of FIG. 23, further illustrating adhesive positionedon the mutually attractive members;

FIGS. 25-27 are partial sectional occlusal views of exemplary steps in amethod of attaching the pair of mutually attractive members to a pair ofadjacent teeth, wherein;

FIG. 25 shows the pair of mutually attractive members spaced from thepair of adjacent teeth before attachment thereto;

FIG. 26 shows the pair of mutually attractive members attached to thepair of adjacent teeth;

FIG. 27 shows the delivery member separated from the pair of mutuallyattractive members;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of a patient's mouth, furtherdepicting a partial perspective view of an orthodontist's hand graspingthe delivery member of FIG. 19 having a mutually attractive memberaccording to FIG. 15 positioned thereon;

FIG. 29 is a perspective exploded view showing a magnet and a covermember of a retainer module of a further embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of the retainer module;

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the retainer module;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the retainer module;

FIG. 33 is a side view of the retainer module;

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the retainer module;

FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 30;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a pair of retainer modulesmagnetically coupled on opposite sides of a delivery member;

FIG. 37 is a top view of the arrangement of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a front view of the arrangement of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a top view showing the delivery member inserted between apair of adjacent teeth, further showing movement of the delivery memberand retainer modules along a generally lingual-facial direction;

FIG. 40 is another top view showing the capture of the retainer modulesbetween the pusher elements of the delivery member and the lingual sidesof the teeth;

FIG. 41 is another top view of the retainer modules secured to theiradjacent teeth, with the mutually-facing interproximal surfaces of theretainer modules magnetically engaging one another to aid in retainingthe relative positions of the teeth;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a portion of a patient's mouth,depicting the initial insertion of the delivery member and retainermodules between a pair of the patient's teeth, and withdrawal of thedelivery member after the retainer modules have been placed;

FIG. 43A is a perspective view of a dental arch, showing a series ofretainer modules placed on the first incisors, second incisors, andcuspids;

FIG. 43B is a fragmentary view of a portion of FIG. 43A; and

FIG. 44 is a chart of magnetic field and attraction forces vs. the airgap or separation distance between the magnets of the retainer modules.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the exemplifications set outherein illustrate the disclosure, the embodiments disclosed below arenot intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scopeof the invention to the precise forms disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides an orthodontic retainer system includingretainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient'smouth, and to a method and apparatus for delivering the system. Theretainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attractedmembers, such as magnets, that are temporary retained on a deliverymember for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. In oneexemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have rounded and/or chamferededges and sloped and curved lingual surfaces, and may include a magnetthat is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that has thesame shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistantbiocompatible material. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery memberis substantially L-shaped, which advantageously allows an orthodontistto enter only a small portion of the patient's oral cavity to positionthe retainer modules on a patient's teeth, and eases the orthodontist'sdelivery of the retainer modules by substantially eliminating the needfor the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move the patient's lips,tongue, and/or cheeks. The delivery member may also include pusherelements that contact the retainer modules for exerting a force againstthe modules to press same firmly against the teeth in order to enhancebonding between the modules and the teeth.

Referring now to FIG. 1, orthodontic retainer system 10 is shown,including strip or delivery member 12 and mutually attracted dentalmodules 14. Mutually attracted dental modules 14 are releasably coupledby attractive forces to opposite sides of delivery member 12. The phrase“mutually attracted dental modules,” for the purposes of this document,generally means two separate bodies which have a mutual attraction foreach other and which are suitable for placement in the mouth for aperiod of time. For example, in one embodiment, each mutually attracteddental module 14 may comprise a magnet or any other suitable devicecapable of mutual attraction, i.e., electrostatic members. When mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 are magnets, they are coupled together onopposite sides of delivery member 12 via magnetic forces, with deliverymember 12 captured between modules 14. Each mutually attracted dentalmodule 14 has a dimension D (FIG. 1), such as a height or a diameter, inthe range of 0.010 to 0.040 inches (0.254 mm to 1.016 mm), preferably inthe range of 0.038 to 0.039 inches (0.9652 mm to 0.991 mm). In one formthereof, mutually attracted dental module 14 is in the shape of acylinder, as shown in FIG. 1. Mutually attracted dental module 14 mayalso take different forms, including those having cross-sectional shapessuch as various polygonal shapes. Each mutually attracted dental module14 is made of a biocompatible material to allow its implantation in themouth for a period of time. For example, each mutually attracted dentalmodule 14 may be gold-plated, or, alternatively, could be comprisedentirely of gold. In another embodiment, each mutually attracted dentalmodule 14 comprises neodymium iron. As shown in FIG. 1, a quantity ofadhesive 16 can be applied to an anterior face of each mutuallyattracted dental module 14 to facilitate securement of the same to atooth.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, delivery member 12 is a thin, non-magneticstrip of material, such as Mylar™ material, having a thickness T which,in one embodiment, may be may be as small as 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004,or 0.005 inches (0.0254 mm, 0.0508 mm, 0.0762 mm, 0.1016 mm, or 0.127mm) or as large as approximately 0.012, 0.011, 0.010, 0.009, 0.008,0.007, or 0.006 inches (0.3048 mm, 0.2794 mm, 0.254 mm, 0.2286 mm,0.2032 mm, 0.1778 mm, or 0.1524 mm). Thickness T is such as to allowdelivery member 12 to pass between a pair of adjacent teeth 22, forexample, teeth 22 a and 22 b. The length of delivery member 12 can beany size to facilitate an easy access for an orthodontist for pullingdelivery member 12 between a pair of adjacent teeth 22 a and 22 b, aswill be described hereinbelow. Delivery member 12 may also includescribe marks 15 which may be lettered or numbered accordingly to providea depth gauge, thereby providing the orthodontist with an indication ofthe depth of delivery member 12 with respect to adjacent teeth 22. In analternative embodiment, delivery member 12 may be part of a continuouspiece of material which has pairs of mutually attracted dental modules14 carried thereon at various spaced distances. The orthodontist wouldthen cut the continuous piece of material just beyond the location ofmutually attracted dental modules 14 to obtain a single orthodonticretainer system 10. Height H of delivery member 12 may range from 0 to10 millimeters, but height H may be increased depending on the desiredapplication.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the method of applying magnetic orthodonticretainer system 10 will be described. Mouth 20 is shown including aplurality of teeth 22 a-22 f. In one embodiment, a pair of mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 are placed on opposite sides of deliverymember 12, whereby the attractive coupling between mutually attracteddental modules 14 retains them in place on delivery member 12. Mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 are not bonded to delivery member 12,rather, delivery member 12 functions to carry mutually attracted dentalmodules 14 to their final destination on adjacent teeth. A quantity ofadhesive 16 is then placed on mutually attracted dental modules 14, or,alternatively, adhesive 16 may be applied to mutually attracted dentalmodules 14 prior to placing modules 14 on opposite sides of deliverymember 12. Furthermore, primer material 18 is applied to a posteriorsurface of adjacent teeth 22, i.e., teeth 22 b and 22 c, in a locationwhere adhesive 16 applied to mutually attracted dental modules 14 willcontact the surface of teeth 22 b and 22 c. Primer material 18 maycomprise a material such as acid for etching a posterior surface of eachtooth 22. Primer material 18 may also comprise chemical etching or anytype of material to facilitate bonding with adhesive 16.

Referring still to FIG. 2, delivery member 12, with mutually attracteddental modules 14 carried thereon, is placed between a pair of adjacentteeth, for example, between teeth 22 b and 22 c. Delivery member 12 isthen pulled in the general direction of Arrow A, as shown by deliverymember 12 being pulled between teeth 22 b and 22 c. Arrow A generallyindicates an anterior direction, i.e., towards the front of the mouth orfrom the lingual side of the teeth towards the facial side of the teeth.Delivery member 12 is pulled until the pair of mutually attracted dentalmodules 14 contacts the teeth, as shown, for example, by mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 contacting teeth 22 c and 22 d. At thispoint, adhesive 16 contacts primer material 18. Adhesive 16 is thencured to harden adhesive 16 and attach mutually attracted dental modules14 to teeth 22 c and 22 d. In one embodiment, an ultraviolet or visiblelight source (not shown) may be used to cure adhesive 16.

To complete the operation, delivery member 12 is pulled furtheranteriorly to remove delivery member 12 from between any teeth, forexample, as shown by delivery member 12 removed from between teeth 22 dand 22 e. Once delivery member 12 has been completely removed, mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 remain attached to teeth 22 e and 22 f, forexample, to provide an orthodontic retainer system. Because mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 are not secured to delivery member 12 andare only carried thereon via the mutual attraction between mutuallyattracted dental modules 14, delivery member 12 simply slides betweenmutually attracted dental modules 14 and the adjacent teeth to whichmodules 14 are attached for removal of delivery member 12 from mouth 20.Movement of delivery member 12 after curing will not disturb dentalmodules 14 because the force coupling dental modules 14 to deliverymember 12 is less than the force adhering dental modules 14 to theteeth. Once placed, mutually attracted dental modules 14 retain adjacentteeth without the need for other, more cumbersome orthodonticappliances. In most cases, depending on the spacing between the adjacentteeth, the mutually-facing surfaces of modules 14 will contact eachother via magnetic attraction to aid in retaining the teeth in position.

Although the above-described embodiments describe mutually attracteddental modules 14, the present disclosure also contemplates a method andapparatus for positioning mutually repelled dental modules 14′ (notshown). In this embodiment, mutually repelled dental modules 14′ couldbe positioned on adjacent teeth such that modules 14′ repel one anotherto move the adjacent teeth to a corrected position. Modules 14′ could bedetachably adhered to delivery member 12 with a force less than theforce adhering dental modules 14′ to the teeth. In one embodiment,modules 14′ may be magnets. If modules 14′ comprise magnets, the magnetswould be oriented in a repelling, non-attractive position, for example,with the north pole of one module 14′ lined up with the north pole ofthe other module 14′. In contrast and as described above, mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 would be positioned such that, if modules 14were magnets, the south pole of one module 14 would line up with thenorth pole of another module 14, such as to provide an attractive forcebetween the two modules 14. Mutually repelled dental modules 14′ couldbe delivered and positioned on adjacent teeth in the mouth in asubstantially identical manner as described above for modules 14.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, orthodonticretainer system 10′ is shown, including strip or delivery member 12 andmutually attracted dental modules 14 encapsulated within capsules 24.Capsules 24 may be formed of metal, ceramic, composite, or any othersuitable biocompatible material. In an exemplary embodiment, capsule 24should not include any sharp edges or irritating features such asfeatures which possibly could cause harm to the tongue or other portionsof the mouth. Referring now to FIG. 6, capsule 24 may include surface 25which facilitates the application of adhesive 16 to capsule 24. Surface25 may be a grid, mesh, or series of geometric undercuts in capsule 24to provide an abrasive surface to which adhesive 16 is applied. Capsule24 may include beveled edge 27 and beveled edge 28. Beveled edges 27 and28 are provided to facilitate flossing of adjacent teeth 22 aftercapsules 24 are delivered. Beveled edges 27 and 28 are oriented suchthat a V-shaped groove is provided on both an upper portion and a lowerportion of adjacent capsules 24, as shown in FIG. 5. Beveled edges 27and 28 are also designed such that a V-shaped groove is provided on bothan anterior portion and a posterior portion of adjacent capsules 24, asshown in FIG. 4.

Referring again to FIG. 3, mutually attracted dental modules 14 are usedin a substantially identical way as described above wherein mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 are releasably coupled by attractive forcesto opposite sides of delivery member 12.

The method of applying magnetic orthodontic retainer system 10′ issubstantially identical to the method described above for applyingmagnetic orthodontic retainer system 10. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4,the mutual attraction of mutually attracted dental modules 14 retainboth capsule 24 and module 14 in place on delivery member 12. Capsules24 are not bonded to delivery member 12, rather, capsules 24 are held inplace via the mutual attraction of mutually attracted dental modules 14contained therein. A quantity of adhesive 16 is then placed on capsule24 on surface 25, or, alternatively, adhesive 16 may be applied tocapsule 24 prior to placing capsules 24 and modules 14 on opposite sidesof delivery member 12. Furthermore, primer material 18 is applied to aposterior surface of adjacent teeth 22, i.e., teeth 22 b and 22 c, in alocation where adhesive 16 applied to capsules 24 will contact thesurface of teeth 22 b and 22 c. Primer material 18 may comprise amaterial such as acid for etching a posterior surface of each tooth 22.Primer material 18 may also comprise chemical etching or any type ofmaterial to facilitate bonding with adhesive 16.

Similar to the method described above, delivery member 12, with mutuallyattracted dental modules 14 and capsules 24 carried thereon, is placedbetween a pair of adjacent teeth, for example, between teeth 22 b and 22c. Delivery member 12 is then pulled in the general direction of ArrowA, as shown by delivery member 12 being pulled between teeth 22 b and 22c. Delivery member 12 is pulled until the pair of capsules 24 contactsadjacent teeth. At this point, adhesive 16 contacts primer material 18.Adhesive 16 is then cured to harden adhesive 16 and attach capsules 24to teeth 22. In one embodiment, an ultraviolet or visible light source(not shown) may be used to cure adhesive 16.

To complete the operation, delivery member 12 is pulled furtheranteriorly to remove delivery member 12 from between any teeth, forexample, as shown by delivery member 12 removed from between teeth 22 eand 22 f. Once delivery member 12 has been completely removed, capsules24, with mutually attracted dental modules 14 retained therein, remainattached to teeth 22 e and 22 f, for example, to provide an orthodonticretainer. Because capsules 24 are not secured to delivery member 12 andare only carried thereon via the mutual attraction between mutuallyattracted dental modules 14, delivery member 12 simply slides betweencapsules 24 and the adjacent teeth to which capsules 24 are attached forremoval of delivery member 12 from mouth 20. Movement of delivery member12 after curing will not disturb capsules 24 because the force couplingcapsules 24 to delivery member 12 is less than the force adheringcapsules 24 to the teeth. Once placed, mutually attracted dental modules14 within capsules 24 retain adjacent teeth without the need for other,more cumbersome orthodontic appliances.

Orthodontic retainer system 10″ (not shown) may include capsules 24″made of mutually attractive material. In one embodiment, capsules 24″may be formed as a single entity with no separate mutually attracteddental module contained therein. Capsules 24″ could be formed through aninjection molding process wherein the entire capsule 24″ would be formedinto a mutually attracted dental body, for example, a magnet. In oneembodiment, capsule 24″ may be entirely formed of magnetic material.

Although orthodontic retainer systems 10 and 10′ have only been shown asbeing applied to adjacent anterior teeth in the lower portion of themouth, the systems may also be applied to any adjacent teeth locatedanywhere in the mouth. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment (notshown), orthodontic retainer systems 10 and 10′ may be applied in anyposition on adjacent teeth as opposed to a lingual position as describedhereinabove.

The method of application for orthodontic retainer systems 10 and 10′described above may also be used in an alternative, indirectapplication. In an alternative embodiment, orthodontic retainer system10 or 10′ is applied to an identical, non-human version of mouth 20, forexample, a formed mold of mouth 20 including teeth 22. Orthodonticretainer system 10 or 10′ is applied to the formed mold of teeth 22 inan identical fashion as described above. After application to the mold,an orthodontist could use any indirect technique commonly known by thedental profession to simultaneously remove all capsules 24 and/ormodules 14 and simultaneously apply all capsules 24 and/or modules 14 inthe corresponding patient's mouth 20. All capsules 24 and/or modules 14may be included in a delivery tray or elastic material having thecapability to simultaneously move all capsules 24 and/or modules 14 fromthe mold to mouth 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, orthodontic retainer system 40according to another embodiment is shown and may generally includedelivery member 42 with handle 43, magnets 44, adhesive 46, and carrier48. Magnets 44 are releasably coupled by their attractive magneticforces to opposite sides of delivery member 42. Each magnet 44 may havea first dimension D1 (FIG. 7A), such as a diameter, which may be assmall as approximately 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, or 0.045 inches(0.635 mm, 0.762 mm, 0.889 mm, 1.016 mm, or 1.143 mm) or as large asapproximately 0.065, 0.060, 0.055, or 0.050 inches (1.651 mm, 1.524 mm,1.397 mm, or 1.27 mm), for example. In one form thereof, magnet 44 maybe in the shape of a cylinder. Magnet 44 may have a second dimension D2(FIG. 7B), which may be as small as approximately 0.025, 0.030, 0.035,0.040, or 0.045 inches (0.635 mm, 0.762 mm, 0.889 mm, 1.016 mm, or 1.143mm) or as large as approximately 0.065, 0.060, 0.055, or 0.050 inches(1.651 mm, 1.524 mm, 1.397 mm, or 1.27 mm), for example. Magnet 44 mayalso take different shapes or forms, including cross-sectional shapessuch as various polygonal shapes. Each magnet 44 may be formed of abiocompatible material to allow its implantation in the mouth for aperiod of time. For example, each magnet 44 may be formed eitherpartially or completely of gold or neodymium iron and, in one embodimentis a neodymium iron magnet having a gold coating.

Delivery member 42 may be substantially similar to delivery members 12,112 described above, except as described below. For example, deliverymember 42 may be a thin, non-magnetic strip of material, such as Mylar®material, having a thickness T which, in one embodiment, may be as smallas 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, or 0.005 inches (0.0254 mm, 0.0508 mm,0.0762 mm, 0.1016 mm, or 0.127 mm) or as large as approximately 0.012,0.011, 0.010, 0.009, 0.008, 0.007, or 0.006 inches (0.3048 mm, 0.2794mm, 0.254 mm, 0.2286 mm, 0.2032 mm, 0.1778 mm, or 0.1524 mm), forexample. Thickness T is such as to allow delivery member 42 to passbetween a pair of adjacent teeth 50 a, 50 b. Delivery member 42 may alsobe formed of a flexible plastic material, such as Mylar® material, forexample, or, alternatively, a metal material, such as stainless steel,for example. In one embodiment, delivery member 42 includes a releasecoating, for example, a silicone, polyethylene, or fluoropolymercoating, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is commerciallyavailable as Teflon® from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company ofWilmington, Del.; Silicon Premium, a siloxane release coatingcommercially available from General Electric Company of Waterford, N.Y.;and Clearsil® fluorosilicone release films and ClearLES™ siliconerelease liners commercially available from CPFilms, Inc. ofMartinsville, Va. The length of delivery member 42 can be any size tofacilitate an easy access for an orthodontist for pulling deliverymember 42 between a pair of adjacent teeth 50 a, 50 b. Delivery member42 may include handle 43 to facilitate movement of delivery member 42.

Adhesive 46 may be substantially similar to adhesive 16, described abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-4, except as described below. Magnets 44 maybe at least partially encapsulated within, or enveloped by, adhesive 46.Adhesive 46 may be any adhesive suitable for a dental application, suchas OptiBond®, available from Kerr Corporation of Orange, Calif.; Adper™and Scotchbond™ adhesives available from 3M Corporation of St. Paul,Minn.; or Xeno® Light Cured Dental Adhesive available from DENTSPLY ofYork, Pa.

Carrier 48 may include recess 49 defining inner surface 51. Innersurface 51 conforms around magnet 44 and adhesive 46 and, after carrier48 is removed in the manner described below, defines surface 47 ofadhesive 46, which is an envelope or profile of adhesive surroundingmagnets 44. Adhesive 46 at least partially surrounds magnets 44 withinrecess 49. Inner surface 51 may be formed with a generally smoothsurface with no protrusions or other edges such that the profile ofadhesive 46 thereby created also includes only a smooth surface with noprotruding edges for patient comfort after removal of carrier 48therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, carrier 48 is formed of a watersoluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or other watersoluble polymer, for example. Carrier 48 may be formed of a materialwhich does not bond with adhesive 46 and which may be removed fromadhesive 46 after curing of adhesive 46.

In operation and referring to FIG. 8, the method of using magneticorthodontic retainer system 40 will be described. To begin, recess 49 ofcarrier 48 is at least partially filled with adhesive 46. Adhesive 46may be in the form of a viscous liquid at this stage and magnets 44 areat least partially embedded therein. Adhesive 46 fills recess 49 suchthat surface 47 of adhesive 46 substantially matches inner surface 51 ofrecess 49. At this point, adhesive 46 may optionally be partially cured,or pre-cured, with a suitable curing instrument, such as those describedbelow, such that adhesive 46 is a highly viscous or substantially solidmaterial, i.e., in a non-liquid state, to facilitate delivery to teeth50 a, 50 b. Magnets 44, along with adhesive 46 and carrier 48, arereleasably coupled by attractive forces to opposite sides of deliverymember 42, as shown in FIG. 7A. Magnets 44, adhesive 46, and carrier 48are not bonded to delivery member 42, rather, delivery member 42functions to carry magnets 44 to their final destination on adjacentteeth. A release coating on delivery member 42, as described above, mayfurther reduce the possibility of adhesive 46 or carrier 48 bonding todelivery member 42. A quantity of primer material (not shown), similarto primer material 18, described above with reference to FIG. 3, may beapplied to a lingual surface of adjacent teeth 50 a, 50 b in a locationwhere adhesive 46 will contact the lingual surface of teeth 50 a, 50 b.

Delivery member 42, with magnets 44 carried thereon, is placed between apair of adjacent teeth, for example, between teeth 50 a, 50 b. Deliverymember 42 is then pulled via handle 43, for example, in the generaldirection of Arrow B (FIG. 8), as shown by delivery member 42 beingpulled between teeth 50 a, 50 b. Arrow B generally indicates a directionaway from the lingual side of the teeth and toward the facial side ofthe teeth. Delivery member 42 is pulled until adhesive 46 and/or magnets44 contact the lingual surfaces of teeth 50 a, 50 b, as shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 10, adhesive 46 is then fully cured to completelyharden adhesive 46 and thereby attach magnets 44 to teeth 50 a, 50 b. Inone embodiment, curing instrument 52 may be used to cure adhesive 46using curing rays 54. In an exemplary embodiment, curing rays 54 arelight rays and curing instrument 52 is a light-based curing instrument.In one embodiment, the light rays are ultraviolet (UV) rays and thelight-based curing instrument is a UV-based curing instrument. Examplesof light-based curing instruments include the SmartLite®PS LED CuringLight and the Spectrum® 800 Curing Unit with Intensity Control, bothavailable from DENTSPLY of York, Pa. Curing of adhesive 46 solidifiesadhesive 46 and securely attaches adhesive 46 and magnets 44 to each ofteeth 50 a, 50 b. Curing of adhesive 46 within recess 49 of carrier 48ensures that adhesive 46 has a profile substantially matching innersurface 51 of recess 49. The profile of adhesive 46 advantageously hasno edges or protrusions and provides a smooth and non-irritating lingualsurface 47, as described further below.

Referring to FIG. 11, carrier 48 may be removed from adhesive 46 toreveal surface 47 which has a substantially smooth profile. Carrier 48shown in FIG. 11 may be formed of a water soluble material, such as awater soluble polymer, i.e., polyvinyl alcohol (PVA or PVOH), forexample. Water source 56 may supply an amount of water 58 or otherwater-based solution onto carrier 48. Water source 56 may be anysuitable water supply instrument, such as the Waterpik® Dental WaterJet, available from Waterpik Technologies, Inc. of Newport Beach,Calif.; and the Interplak® Dental Water jet, available from Conair ofStamford, Conn., for example. Because carrier 48 is formed of awater-soluble material, application of water 58 dissolves carrier 48. Asshown in FIG. 12, carrier 48 is partially dissolved. In one embodiment,suction may be applied adjacent water source 56 to remove water 58 andportions of carrier 48 which are dissolved. Carrier 48 may be formed ofa material that is not harmful if swallowed.

Referring to FIG. 13, further application of water 58 substantially andcompletely dissolves carrier 48 (FIGS. 11 and 12) such that adhesive 46and magnets 44 are the only portion of system 40 to remain. Dissolvingcarrier 48 reveals a smooth lingual surface 47 of adhesive 46 defining asmooth profile of adhesive 46 which is completely cured to securemagnets 44 to teeth 50 a, 50 b. In an exemplary embodiment, lingualsurface 47 of adhesive 46 is a substantially smooth surface with nosharp edges or projections. Such a smooth surface facilitates comfortfor the patient. Advantageously, adhesive 46 requires no post-curingformation, such as by removing and/or manually forming adhesive 46around magnets 44 to obtain a desired profile of adhesive 46, therebygreatly reducing the time needed for an orthodontist to apply magnets toa patient's dentition. For example, if the orthodontist has a largenumber of magnets to apply, system 40 greatly reduces the time requiredfor such a procedure. The present method eliminates such post-curingformation and provides a fully cured and shaped profile for adhesive 46which is both comfortable for a user of system 40 and is aestheticallypleasing. The shaped profile of adhesive 46 advantageously provides acomfortable retainer system for the patient and blends into thesurrounding teeth proximate teeth 50 a, 50 b. Furthermore, adhesive 46may be colored such that, when fully cured, adhesive 46 is substantiallythe same color as teeth 50 a, 50 b to which adhesive 46 is secured.

To complete the operation, delivery member 42 may be pulled and/orotherwise removed from between teeth 50 a, 50 b. Once delivery member 42has been completely removed, magnets 44 with adhesive 46 remain attachedto teeth 50 a, 50 b, for example, to provide an orthodontic retainersystem, as shown in FIG. 13. Because magnets 44 and adhesive 46 are notsecured to delivery member 42 and are only carried thereon via themutual attraction between magnets 44, delivery member 42 simply slidesbetween magnets 44 and adhesive 46 and the adjacent teeth to whichadhesive 46 and magnets 44 are attached for removal of delivery member42 from the mouth of the patient. Movement of delivery member 42 aftercuring of adhesive 46 will not disturb adhesive 46 and magnets 44because the force coupling magnets 44 and adhesive 46 to delivery member42 is less than the force adhering adhesive 46 and magnets 44 to theteeth. Once fixed in position, magnets 44 retain adjacent teeth withoutthe need for other, more cumbersome orthodontic appliances. Althoughdescribed above as removing delivery member 42 after removal of carrier48, practice of the present method may alternatively involve removal ofdelivery member 42 first, followed by removal of carrier 48.

Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative embodiment retainer system 40′ isshown and generally includes delivery member 42 with handle 43, magnets44, adhesive 46, and carrier 60. Carrier 60 may be formed of a flexiblematerial which does not bond with adhesive 46 and which may be removedfrom adhesive 46 after curing of adhesive 46. In an exemplaryembodiment, carrier 60 is formed of a flexible silicone-based materialwhich may be peeled off adhesive 46 using scaler 64 or another suitabledental instrument 62. Scaler 64 may pierce carrier 60 after whichcarrier 60 is peeled or pulled away from adhesive 46 to reveal thesubstantially smooth envelope or profile of adhesive 46, as describedabove. Alternatively, carrier 60 may be removed via any other instrumentor by hand. For example, dental instrument 62 may include forceps whichare used to grasp a portion of carrier 60 and remove carrier 60 toreveal the profile of adhesive 46.

Referring now to FIG. 21, orthodontic retainer system 110 is shown,including strip or delivery member 112 and mutually attracted dentalmodules 114. While described and depicted herein with specificreferences to dental modules 114, delivery member 112 may also be usedin conjunction with other dental modules described herein, such asdental modules 14 described above. Similarly, while described anddepicted herein with specific references to delivery member 112, dentalmodules 114 may also be used in conjunction with other delivery membersdescribed herein, such as delivery member 12 described above. Mutuallyattracted dental modules 114 are releasably coupled by attractive forcesto opposite sides of delivery member 112. For example, in oneembodiment, each mutually attracted dental module 114 may comprise amagnet or any other suitable device capable of mutual attraction, i.e.,electrostatic members. When mutually attracted dental modules 114 aremagnets, they are coupled together on delivery member 112 via magneticforces. Each mutually attracted dental module 114 has a dimension D3(FIG. 18), such as a height, which may be as small as 0.010, 0.015,0.020, or 0.025 inches (0.254 mm, 0.381 mm, 0.508 mm, or 0.635 mm) or aslarge as 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, or 0.045 inches (0.762 mm, 0.889 mm, 1.016mm, or 1.143 mm), for example. In one exemplary embodiment, dimension D3is 0.040 inches (1.016 mm).

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, in one exemplary embodiment, mutuallyattracted dental module 114 has a substantially polygonal or trapezoidalshape in cross-section taken along a direction perpendicular to toothengaging surface 113, as best shown in FIG. 17. Specifically, toothengaging surface 113, lingual surface 115, and bottom surface 117 aresubstantially planar surfaces. Curved top surface 119, in conjunctionwith rounded and/or chamfered corners 121, joins each of tooth engagingsurface 113, lingual surface 115, and bottom surface 117 to one another.Additionally, dental module 114 has a width W (FIG. 18) that correspondsto the distance between opposing ends of bottom surface 117. Similarly,the radius of curvature of top surface 119 corresponds to the width ofdental module 114 and extends between the opposing ends of bottomsurface 117. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature of topsurface 119 is 0.040 inches (1.016 mm). However, the radius of curvatureof top surface 119 may be as small as 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, or 0.035inches (0.508 mm, 0.635 mm, 0.762 mm, 0.889 mm) or as large as 0.040,0.045, 0.050, or 0.055 inches (1.016 mm, 1.143 mm, 1.27 mm, or 1.397mm), for example. In one exemplary embodiment, lingual surface 115 formsan angle a with the apex of top surface 119. In one exemplaryembodiment, angle α is approximately 45 degrees. However, angle α may beas small as 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 degrees or as large as 45, 50, 55, 60,and 65 degrees, for example. Advantageously, by angling lingual surface115 and utilizing rounded corners 121, the comfort of the patient isfacilitated, and the patient may floss between adjacent teeth on whichdental modules 114 are attached without cutting the floss.

In another exemplary embodiment, tooth engaging surface 113 is modifiedto facilitate the retention of an adhesive thereon. For example, toothengaging surface 113 may include a grid, mesh, or series of geometricundercuts to provide an abrasive surface to which adhesive 16, 46 (FIG.24) is applied. In another exemplary embodiment, tooth engaging surface113 may be roughened, or may include a coating formed by chemical vapordeposition (CVD). Each mutually attracted dental module 114 is made of abiocompatible material to allow its implantation in the mouth for aperiod of time. For example, referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in oneexemplary embodiment, each mutually attracted dental module 114 has anouter coating 123, such as gold-plating, substantially entirelysurrounding inner magnet 129. In one exemplary embodiment, inner magnet129 is comprised of a permanent magnet, such as a rare-earth magnet. Inone exemplary embodiment, inner magnet 129 is a neodymium-iron-boronmagnet. In another exemplary embodiment, module 114 lacks outer coating123.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21, delivery member 112 may be substantiallysimilar to delivery member 12, described above with reference to FIGS.1-3, except as described below. For example, delivery member 112 mayalso be formed of a flexible plastic material, such as Mylar® material,for example, or, alternatively, a metal material, such as stainlesssteel, for example. In one embodiment, delivery member 112 includes core130, formed from a material described above, and release coating 132substantially surrounding core 130. For example, release coating 132 maybe a silicone, polyethylene, or fluoropolymer coating, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which is commercially available asTeflon® from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del.;Silicon Premium, a siloxane release coating commercially available fromGeneral Electric Company of Waterford, N.Y.; and Clearsil®fluorosilicone release films and ClearLES™ silicone release linerscommercially available from CPFilms, Inc. of Martinsville, Va.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 19-21, delivery member 112 has asubstantially L-shape including gripping portion 131 and retentionportion 133. Longitudinal gripping portion axis GPA intersectslongitudinal retention portion axis RPA to form the substantiallyL-shape, wherein the intersection of longitudinal gripping portion axisGPA and longitudinal retention portion axis RPA results in the formationof angle β. In one exemplary embodiment, angle β is equal to 90 degreesor is any acute angle greater than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees.As shown in FIG. 19, in one exemplary embodiment, angle β is 80 degrees.Additionally, to facilitate patient comfort during the delivery ofdental modules 114, gripping portion 131 and retention portion 133 haverounded and/or chamfered corners 135. In one exemplary embodiment, shownin FIG. 20, periphery 137 of delivery member 112 also has a bulbous orrounded shape to further facilitate patient comfort during the deliveryof dental modules 114. Gripping portion 131 may also include a grid,mesh, or series of geometric undercuts 139, shown in FIG. 19, to providean abrasive surface upon which a orthodontist may grasp either directlyby hand or indirectly through the use of dental instruments.

Delivery member 112 has a height H2 that may be a small as 0.25, 0.30,0.35 or 0.40 inches (6.35 mm, 7.62 mm, 8.89 mm, 10.16 mm) or as large as0.45, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 inches (11.43 mm, 12.7 mm, 19.05 mm, or 25.4mm), for example. The length of delivery member 112 can be any size tofacilitate easy access for an orthodontist for pulling delivery member112 between a pair of adjacent teeth 20 a and 20 b, as described indetail below. In exemplary embodiments, delivery member 112 may have alength L as small as 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 or 0.40 inches (6.35 mm, 7.62 mm,8.89 mm, 10.16 mm) or as large as 0.45, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 inches(11.43 mm, 12.7 mm, 19.05 mm, or 25.4 mm), for example. Additionally,retention portion 133 of delivery member 112 has a height H3. Inexemplary embodiments, height H3 of retention member 133 is as small as0.10, 0.15, 0.20 or 0.25 inches (2.54 mm, 3.81 mm, 5.08 mm, or 6.35 mm)or as large as 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, or 0.45 inches (7.62 mm, 8.89 mm, 10.16mm, or 11.43 mm), for example. In an alternative embodiment, deliverymember 112 may be part of a continuous piece of material which has pairsof mutually attracted dental modules 114 carried thereon at variousspaced distances and may operate in the same manner as described indetail above with reference to delivery member 12. Further, deliverymember 112 may also include scribe marks 116, shown in FIGS. 19 and 21,which may be lettered or numbered accordingly to provide a depth gauge,thereby providing the orthodontist with an indication of the depth ofdelivery member 112 with respect to adjacent teeth 22.

Except as described below, the method of applying magnetic orthodonticretainer system 110 is similar to the method described above forapplying magnetic orthodontic retainer systems 10, 10″. Referring now toFIGS. 22-27, the mutual attraction of mutually attracted dental modules114 retains both modules 114 in place on delivery member 112. A quantityof adhesive 16, 46, described in detail above, is then placed on toothengaging surface 113 of dental modules 114. In another exemplaryembodiment, adhesive 16, 46 may be placed on dental modules 114 prior toretaining dental modules 114 on delivery member 112. Alternatively,adhesive 16, 46 may be applied directly to adjacent teeth, such as teeth22, i.e., teeth 22 a and 22 b. Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment,primer material 18 (FIG. 3) is applied to a posterior surface ofadjacent teeth 22, i.e., teeth 22 a and 22 b, in a location whereadhesive 16, 46 applied to dental modules 114 will contact the surfaceof teeth 22 a and 22 b. Primer material 18 may comprise a material suchas acid for etching a posterior surface of each tooth 22. Primermaterial 18 may also comprise chemical etching or any type of materialto facilitate bonding with adhesive 16, 46.

Similar to the method described above, delivery member 112, withmutually attracted dental modules 114 carried thereon, is placed betweena pair of adjacent teeth, for example, between teeth 22 a and 22 b.Referring to FIG. 28, in one exemplary embodiment, the orthodontistgrasps gripping portion 131, either directly by hand or indirectly withan orthodontic instrument, and positions retention portion 133 betweenteeth 22 a and 22 b, while the orthodontist's fingers and/or theinstrument remain substantially outside the oral cavity and morespecifically, outwardly of occlusal plane OP defined by the occlusalsurfaces of teeth 22 a and 22 b. Stated another way, the orthodontist'sfingers and/or the instrument remain on a side of occlusal plane OPdisposed opposite the teeth. Specifically, referring to FIG. 28, theorthodontist moves delivery member 112 inwardly into the patient's oralcavity and then downwardly between teeth 22 a and 22 b, as shown byArrow C. Delivery member 112 is then pulled outwardly or facially in thegeneral direction of Arrow D, resulting in delivery member 112 beingpulled between teeth 22 a and 22 b. During movement of delivery member112, the orthodontist's fingers and/or instrument remain substantiallyoutside the patient's oral cavity and outwardly of occlusal plane OP ofteeth 22 a and 22 b, as described above. Delivery member 112 is pulleduntil tooth engaging surfaces 113 of dental modules 114 contact adjacentteeth. At this point, adhesive 16, 46 contacts primer material 18.Adhesive 16, 48 may then be cured to harden adhesive 16, 46 and attachdental modules 114 to teeth 22. In one embodiment, an ultraviolet orvisible light source, such as those described in detail above withreference to adhesive 46, may be used to cure adhesive 16, 46.

To complete the operation, delivery member 112 is pulled furtheroutwardly or facially to remove delivery member 112 from between teeth22 a and 22 b. Due to the substantially L-shape of delivery member 112,the need for the orthodontist to manipulate or otherwise move and/orgrasp the patient's lip, tongue, and/or cheek to facilitate removal ofdelivery member 112 is substantially eliminated. Once delivery member112 has been completely removed, mutually attracted dental modules 114remain attached to teeth 22 a and 22 b to provide an orthodonticretainer and, in most cases, the mutually-facing surfaces of modules 114engage each other to aid in retaining the positions of the teeth.

Because modules 114 are not secured to delivery member 112 and are onlycarried thereon via the mutual attraction between mutually attracteddental modules 114, delivery member 112 simply slides between theadjacent teeth for removal of delivery member 112 from mouth 20 (FIG.2). Movement of delivery member 112 after curing will not disturb dentalmodules 114 because the force coupling dental modules 114 to deliverymember 112 is less than the force adhering dental modules 114 andadhesive 16, 46 to the teeth. Once placed, mutually attracted dentalmodules 114 retain adjacent teeth without the need for other, morecumbersome orthodontic appliances. In another exemplary embodiment,orthodontic retainer system 110′ (not shown) may include capsules 24,24″, as described in detail herein.

Although orthodontic retainer systems 110, 110′ have been shown andillustrated herein as being applied to adjacent teeth in the lowerportion of the mouth, i.e., to teeth in the mandibular arch, the systemsmay of course be applied to adjacent teeth in hte upper portion of themouth, i.e., to teeth in the maxillar arch, by simply inverting deliverymember 112 and dental modules 114. Furthermore, in an alternativeembodiment (not shown), orthodontic retainer systems 110, 110′ may beapplied in any position on adjacent teeth as opposed to the lingualposition as described and illustrated herein.

The method of application for orthodontic retainer systems 110, 110′described above may also be used in an alternative, indirectapplication. In an alternative embodiment, orthodontic retainer system110, 110′ is applied to an identical, non-human version of mouth 20, forexample, a formed mold of mouth 20 including teeth 22. Orthodonticretainer system 110, 110′ is applied to the formed mold of teeth 22 inan identical fashion as described above. After application to the mold,an orthodontist could use any indirect technique commonly known by thedental profession to simultaneously remove all capsules 24, 24″ and/ormodules 14, 114 and simultaneously apply all capsules 24 and/or modules14, 114 in the corresponding patient's mouth 20. All capsules 24, 24″and/or modules 14, 114 may be included in a delivery tray or elasticmaterial having the capability to simultaneously move all capsules 24,24″ and/or modules 14, 114 from the mold to mouth 20.

Referring to FIGS. 29-44, further concepts in accordance with additionalembodiments of the present invention are shown, including a dental orretainer module 210, shown in FIGS. 29-35, and a delivery member 212,shown in FIGS. 36-40, together with a method of applying retainermodules 210 to a pair of adjacent teeth using delivery member 212, asshown in FIGS. 36-43B.

Referring to FIG. 29, retainer module 210 generally includes a magnet214 and an enclosure or cover member 216. Magnet 214 has a shape verysimilar to that of dental module 114 shown in FIGS. 15-18 and describedabove, including a generally trapezoidal profile with a planartooth-facing bonding surface 218, shown as substantially rectangular.Magnet 214 further includes a planar interproximal surface 220 having asemicircular shape, a planar lingual surface 222 disposed at an anglewith respect to tooth-facing surface 218 and interproximal surface 220,and a curved or arched lingual surface 224 that curves around thesemicircular profile of interproximal surface 220 and connects bondingsurface 218, interproximal surface 220, and planar lingual surface 222.

Magnet 214 may be a permanent magnet made from any magnetic material,such as a magnet made from an alloy of a rare earth element. Forexample, magnet 214 may be a neodymium magnet, i.e., made from aneodymium/iron/boron alloy, or may be made from other alloys of rareearth elements, such as a samarium-cobalt magnet, for example. Magnet214 may have an exterior coating 225 (FIG. 35) of a biocompatible metal,such as gold, titanium, or tantalum, for example, that may be appliedvia a process such as immersion coating, chemical vapor deposition (CVD)physical vapor deposition (PVD), electroplating, or sputtering/vacuumdeposition. Coating 225 may have a thickness of between 0.0002 inchesand 0.0005 inches (between 0.0051 mm and 0.0127 mm), for example. In oneembodiment, magnet 214 is a neodymium/iron/boron magnet having a goldcoating 225 applied as two successive layers via electroplating. Coating225 completely covers magnet 214, and prevents exposure of the materialof the permanent magnet to the oral cavity of a patient.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 30-34, cover member 216 is shown indetail and in one embodiment, has a shape analogous to that of magnet214, including a rim 226 defining an open end 228 of cover member 216having a rectangular shape corresponding to, and sized slightly greaterthan, bonding surface 218 of magnet 214. Open end 228 provides access tothe open interior 229 of cover member 216. Cover member 216 additionallyincludes an interproximal surface 230, a planar lingual surface 232, anda curved lingual surface 234 that are each sized slightly greater than,and which correspond to, interproximal surface 220, planar lingualsurface 222, and curved lingual surface 224 of magnet 214, respectively.Curved or radiused edges 231 connect the foregoing surfaces. In oneembodiment, the walls of cover member 216 that correspond to each of theforegoing surfaces have a thickness of 0.0048 inches (0.122 mm).

Cover member 216 may be made of a relatively hard, wear resistantbiocompatible metal, such as stainless steel, and provides an enclosurefor magnet 214 for sealing magnet from the oral cavity of a patient.Cover member 216 also protects magnet 214 from wear, yet allows passageof the magnetic field forces of magnet 214 through cover member 216. Inone embodiment, cover member 216 is made from a substantiallynon-magnetic stainless steel, such as a 300 series stainless steel.

Exemplary dimensions for cover member 216, which are also the overalldimensions of retainer module 210, are set forth below. These dimensionsalso generally correspond to those of magnet 214 in that the dimensionsof cover member 216 will be only slightly greater than the dimensions ofthe corresponding surfaces of magnet 214 which, in one embodiment, maybe sized to fit closely within cover member 216 as described below.Referring to FIGS. 32 and 34, rim 226 of cover member 216 is disposedaround bonding surface 218 of magnet 214, and has a planar profile witha long dimension D₁ which, in one embodiment, is 0.080 inches (2.032 mm)and, in other embodiments, may be as little as 0.040 inches or 0.060inches (1.016 mm or 1.524 mm), or as great as 0.10 inches or 0.120inches (2.54 mm or 3.048 mm), for example. Rim 226 also has a shortdimension D₂ which, in one embodiment, is 0.060 inches (1.524 mm) and,in other embodiments, may be as little as 0.040 inches or 0.05 inches(1.016 mm or 1.27 mm), or as great as 0.070 inches or 0.08 inches (1.778mm or 2.032 mm), for example.

As shown in FIG. 34, interproximal surface 230 is planar andsemicircular shaped, and has dimension D₁ as well as a dimension D₃corresponding to the radius of its semicircular shape and which, in oneembodiment, is 0.050 inches (1.27 mm) and, in other embodiments, may beas little as 0.030 or 0.040 inches (0.762 mm or 1.016 mm) or as great as0.060 or 0.070 inches (1.524 mm or 1.778 mm), for example.

Curved lingual surface 234 is curved around the semicircular shape ofinterproximal surface 230, and has a dimension D₄ between the apex ofits curve around planar lingual surface 232 and interproximal surface230, shown in FIG. 33 and which, in one embodiment, is 0.020 inches(0.508 mm) and, in other embodiments, may be as little as 0.010 inches(0.254 mm) or as great as 0.030 inches 0.762 mm), for example.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 33, planar lingual surface 232 is angled orsloped at an angle α with respect to either a plane defined by rim 226and/or with respect to contact surface 222 which, in one embodiment, is45 degrees. However, in other embodiments, angle α may be as small as20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 degrees or as large as 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65degrees, for example, with respect to either the plane defined by rim226, or interproximal surface 230. Planar lingual surface 232 also hasdimension D₁ where same merges with rim 226. When a pair of retainermodules 210 are applied to their respective teeth, the sloped or angledplanar lingual surface 232 and the curved lingual surface 234 of themodules are exposed to the oral cavity, and the geometric shapes ofthese surfaces, together with the radiused or chamfered edges 231between these surfaces, facilitates patient comfort by providing asmooth and minimized profile to the patient's tongue which also resistsretention of food particles to promote oral hygiene.

The edges 231 respectively disposed between rim 226, interproximalsurface 230, planar lingual surface 232, and curved lingual surface 234are smoothly curved or radiused, and may have a radius of curvaturebetween 0.004 and 0.010 inches (0.1016 mm and 0.254 mm), for example.Alternatively, edges 231 may be chamfered.

Referring to FIG. 29, to assemble retainer module 210, an amount of asuitable adhesive 236, such as one of those described above, is placedwithin the open interior 229 of cover member 216, and magnet 214 is theninserted through open end 228 of cover member 216 with the cooperatingsurfaces of magnet 214 and cover member 216, described above, aligningwith one another such that magnet 214 is seated within the open interior229 of cover member 216. Upon seating of magnet 214 within cover member216, adhesive 236 will spread around magnet 214 between the externalsurfaces of magnet 214 and the internal surfaces of cover member 216 toform a relatively uniform layer 240 of adhesive 236, shown in FIG. 35,between the external surfaces of magnet 214 and the internal surfaces ofcover member 216.

As shown in FIGS. 30, 32, and 35, an additional amount of adhesive 236may be applied across open end 228 of cover member 216 to bondingsurface 218 of magnet 214 generally within rim 226 of cover member 216.As shown in FIGS. 30 and 35, rim 226 may be dimensioned to provide asmall recess 238 within open end 228 of cover member 216 across bondingsurface 218 of magnet 214. An amount 242 of adhesive 236 may be placedwithin recess 238 and leveled off by a suitable instrument such as aspatula (not shown) to close open end 228 of cover member 216 across theface of bonding surface 218 of magnet 214. Only a portion of this amount242 of adhesive 236 is shown in FIGS. 30 and 32, it being understoodthat the adhesive will typically completely cover bonding surface 218 ofmagnet 214.

Then, the adhesive 236 may be cured in suitable manner, such as byexposure to ultraviolet light, by a chemical reaction, or by heating,depending upon the type of adhesive used. The curing of the adhesive 236of layer 240 forms a tight bond between the external surfaces of magnet214 and the internal surfaces of cover member 216 to secure magnet 214within cover member 216 and form a retainer module 210 as asubstantially integral or unitary structure. The adhesive 242 withinrecess 238 across the bonding surface 218 of magnet 214 provides a layeror cap 242 of adhesive that closes the interior of cover member 216 suchthat magnet 214 is effectively encapsulated and sealed within covermember 216.

In other embodiments, adhesive 236 is not applied within recess 238across the bonding surface 218 of magnet 214, or cover member 216 maylack recess 238 such that rim 226 is dimensioned to be flush withtooth-facing surface 218 of magnet, such that bonding surface 218remains exposed to the exterior of retainer module 210, with theremaining surfaces between magnet 214 and cover member 216 occupied bylayer 240 of adhesive 236 to thereby seal magnet 214 within cover member216 with the bonding surface 218 of magnet 214 uncovered by adhesive anddirectly exposed.

Bonding surface 218 of magnet 214 may optionally be roughened, orprovided with rough or porous surface features, or a rough or porouscoating, for example, in order to enhance the ability of adhesive 236 tobond thereto. By contrast, the outer surfaces of cover member 216,described above, will typically be smooth.

In this manner, as best shown in FIG. 35, each retainer module 210includes, when viewed in cross section, a layered structure includingthe material of magnet 214, the biocompatible coating 225 of magnet,layer 240 of adhesive 236, and cover member 216. Advantageously, thematerial of magnet 214 is sealed from, and prevented from coming intocontact with, the oral cavity of a patient by a double enclosure ordouble encapsulation structure, including coating 225 of magnet 214 andthe enclosure or encapsulation provided by cover member 216 and adhesive236.

The poles of magnet 214 are oriented such that the primary direction ofmagnetization, i.e., its magnetic moment, is along a magnetization axisMA-MA that is disposed parallel to bonding surface 218 of magnet 214 andextends centrally through interproximal surfaces 220 and 230 of magnet214 and cover member 216 and planar lingual surfaces 222 and 232 ofmagnet 214 and cover member 216, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 31, 33,and 34. The poles of a pair of such magnets 214 are oppositely oriented,with the force of attraction between the magnets 214 of a pair ofretainer modules 210 is sufficient to hold the modules 210 tightlytogether with their respective planar interproximal surfaces 230 inengagement with one another, with the magnetic attraction forcetransmitted through coatings 225 of magnets 214 and through covermembers 216. As discussed below, when interproximal surfaces 230 of apair of retainer modules 210 are magnetically coupled on opposite sidesof delivery member 212, the magnetization axes MA-MA of retainer modules210 will tend to automatically rotationally and positionally alignretainer modules 210 such that their tooth-facing surfaces 218 areparallel to one another.

Referring to FIG. 44, a chart showing the calculated magnetic fieldstrength and magnetic attraction force between a pair of magnets 214 isshown as a function of the air gap, or effective separation distance,between interproximal surfaces 220 of a pair of magnets 214. When theinterproximal surfaces 230 of a pair of modules 210 are magneticallyengaged in the manner discussed below, the separation distance betweenthe interproximal surfaces 220 of their respective magnets 214 will betwice the thickness of the wall of each of the cover members 216 ofmodule 210. Thus, if this thickness is 0.0048 inches (0.122 mm), the airgap will be 0.0096 inches (0.244 mm) which, referring to FIG. 44,corresponds to a magnetic field density of about 9,000 gauss and anmagnetic attraction force of about 0.060 lbs. of force (27.2 g-force,0.27 N). Generally, the material of magnets 214, the size of magnets214, and the separation between the magnets 214 when in use, i.e., thethickness of the walls of cover members 216, are the principal variablesthat may be selected to provide a desired magnetic force for retaining apair of teeth with respect to one another in the manner described below.

Referring to FIG. 36, delivery member 212 is shown, which is identicalto delivery member 112 discussed above, except for the addition ofpusher elements 244 thereto, which are discussed below. Identicalreference numerals will be used with respect to delivery members 212 and112 to identify identical or substantially identical featurestherebeween.

Referring to FIGS. 36-38, delivery member 212 in one embodiment is madeof stainless steel that includes a release coating 132 of the typedescribed above. Delivery member 212 also includes a pair of pusherelements 244 on opposite sides of the rear end of retention portion 133thereof, which may be integrally formed with delivery member 212, or maycomprise separate components attached to delivery member 212, such thatpusher elements 244 are fixedly attached to delivery member 212. In oneembodiment, pusher elements 244 are made of a rigid plastic materialthat is over-molded onto the end of retention portion 133 of deliverymember 212 with the material of pusher elements 244 bridging throughapertures 246 in delivery member 212 to provide a secure connectionbetween pusher elements 244 and delivery member 212.

Pusher elements 244 each generally include a contact face 248 that isshaped to abuttingly contact or engage a retainer module 210 at anysuitable location on retainer module such as, for example, lingualsurface 232 of a retainer module 210, for the purpose described below.In the embodiment shown herein, contact faces 248 of pusher elements 244are sloped or angled complementary to planar lingual surfaces 232 ofretainer modules 210.

The application of a pair of retainer modules 210 to a pair ofrespective adjacent teeth T₁ and T₂ will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 36-43B. Teeth T₁ and T₂ may be any pair of adjacent teeth ineither the mandibular or the maxillar arch, and may be any type of teethsuch as incisors, premolars, or molars, or adjacent teeth of differenttypes.

Referring to FIGS. 36-38, a pair of retainer modules 210 are fitted, ormagnetically coupled, to opposite sides of retention portion 133 ofdelivery member 212 with the interproximal surfaces 230 of modules 210directly engaging opposite sides of retention portion 133, such thatdelivery member 212 is captured between modules 210. As discussed above,the mutual attraction of magnets 214 along their aligned magnetic axesMA-MA also tends to automatically rotationally and positionally alignretainer modules 210 with respect to one another such that their bondingsurfaces 218 are disposed parallel and co-planar to one another. In thisposition, rotation of one module 210 will tend to cause a correspondingrotation of the other module 210. Also, sliding movement of one module210 along delivery member 212 will tend to cause a corresponding slidingmovement of the other module 210. Modules 210 are rotated such thatbonding surfaces 218 generally face toward the front end of deliverymember 212, i.e., away from pusher elements 244.

Although retainer modules 210 are magnetically coupled on oppositessides of retention portion 133 of delivery member 212, retainer modules210 are still movable or slidable relative to delivery member 212 asdiscussed below. After retainer modules 210 are initially coupled todelivery member 212, modules 210 may be positioned in abutment withcontact faces 248 of pusher elements 244 or alternatively as shown inFIG. 37, may be spaced slightly away from contact faces 248 with aslight gap therebetween.

Advantageously, because retainer modules 210 are each slidable ormovable relative to delivery member 212, the positions of retainermodules 210 with respect to delivery member 212 and/or to each other maychange when bonding surfaces 218 of retainer modules 210 contact thelingual sides of a pair of respective teeth, depending on the shape ofthe teeth, in order to allow the positions of the retainer modules 210to adapt to properly fit to the teeth. In this manner, the initialrelative positions of retainer modules 210 on delivery member 212 willautomatically be set when same are magnetically coupled to oppositesides of delivery member 212 by the alignment of the magnetic axes MA-MAof the modules 210. However, because each module 210 is independentlymovable relative to delivery member 212, the relative positions ofmodules 210 with respect to each other may vary as needed when modules210 are mounted to their respective teeth in order to properly fitmodules 210 to their respective teeth.

Referring to FIGS. 39-42, modules 210 are applied to lingual sides LS ofa pair of adjacent teeth T₁ and T₂ for retaining the positions of theteeth with respect to one another in a similar manner as described abovewith respect to FIGS. 25-28, except for the differences described below.As described below, teeth T₁ and T₂ are in the mandibular arch, however,it will be understood that an analogous procedure may be followed ifteeth T₁ and T₂ are in the maxillar arch. Also, it should be appreciatedthat teeth T₁ and T₂ are shown schematically in FIGS. 39-41 for clarity.

Referring to FIG. 39, the lingual sides LS of teeth T₁ and T₂ may beprepared for receipt of an amount of adhesive 236 in a conventionalmanner, in which the lingual sides of teeth T₁ and T₂ are dried and acidetched, for example. An amount of a primer (not shown) may be applied tothe etched teeth for receipt of a small amount of adhesive 236 to theprimer.

Prior to insertion of delivery member 212 and retainer modules 210 intothe oral cavity, an amount of adhesive 236 may also be applied tobonding surfaces 218 of modules 210 which, as described above, mayalready include a layer or cap 242 of cured adhesive, or may be directlyexposed. Advantageously, when bonding surfaces 218 of modules 210includes a cap or layer 242 of adhesive 236 that has been cured,application of an additional amount of adhesive 236 thereto, followed bysubsequent curing of the adhesive to both the previously cured adhesiveof cap or layer 242 and also to amount of adhesive on the lingual sidesLS of teeth T₁ and T₂ forms an adhesive/adhesive/adhesive bond that isparticularly robust in retaining modules 210 in place on the lingualsides of teeth T₁ and T₂.

Referring to FIGS. 39 and 42, delivery member 212 is inserted betweenthe pair of adjacent teeth T₁ and T₂ by the orthodontist gripping thegripping portion 131 of delivery member 212 and inserting deliverymember 212 into the oral cavity of the patient along the generaldirection of arrow A_(l) in FIG. 42, which is substantially parallel tothe occlusal plane defined by the occlusal surfaces OS of the teeth inthe arch. Once positioned within the oral cavity of the patient,delivery member is inserted between teeth T₁ and T₂ along a generallydownward direction (upward if T₁ and T₂ are maxillar) along the generaldirection of arrow A₂ in FIG. 42 from the occlusal surfaces OS of teethT₁ and T₂, and through the occlusal plane OP defined by occlusalsurfaces OS toward the gum tissue. The foregoing directions depicted byarrows A₁ and A₂ in FIGS. 42 may comprise a single, continuous motion.

Advantageously, as may be seen from FIG. 42, the shape of deliverymember 112, 212 allows gripping portion 131 of delivery member, and thusthe orthodontist's fingers, to remain substantially on a side of theocclusal plane OP of teeth T₁ and T₂ that is opposite the gum tissuearound teeth T₁ and T₂ throughout the procedure, such that theorthodontist does not need to significantly move, manipluate, or depressthe patient's lips or cheeks to provide access for placing the deliverymember 212.

In this position, as shown in FIG. 39, a small gap will be presentbetween the tooth-facing surfaces 218 of retainer modules 210 and thelingual sides LS of teeth T₁ and T₂.

As described below, pusher elements 244 are not connected to modules210, but rather only abuttingly contact modules 210 for the temporaryapplication of a force to modules 210 through movement of deliverymember 212 in order to press modules 210 against the lingual sides oftheir respective teeth to facilitate a robust adhesive bond.

Delivery member 212 is then advanced in a lingual-facial direction alongthe arrow A₃ in FIG. 39, which direction is generally parallel to theocclusal plane OP (FIG. 28) defined by the occlusal surfaces of teeth T₁and T₂.

As may be seen between FIGS. 39 and 40, if modules 210 have beenpreviously positioned in contact with pusher elements 244, deliverymember 212, pusher elements 244, and modules 210 will all move togetheras a unit when delivery member 212 is advanced as described above to inturn advance modules 210 into respective engagement with the lingualsides LS of teeth T₁ and T₂.

Alternatively, if modules 210 are initially spaced slightly away frompusher elements 244, delivery member 212, pusher elements 244, andmodules 210 will all move together when delivery member 212 is advancedas described above, until modules 210 engage the lingual sides LS ofteeth T₁ and T₂. Then, upon further advancement of delivery member 212,modules 210 will remain stationary against the lingual sides LS of teethT₁ and T₂, with delivery member 212 and pusher elements 244 movingrelative to modules 210 until pusher elements 244 engage modules 210.

After either of the foregoing movements, modules 210 will be capturedbetween pusher elements 244 and the lingual sides LS of teeth T₁ and T₂as shown in FIG. 40. Thereafter, the orthodontist may exert a force bypulling on delivery member 212 in the same lingual-facial directionalong arrow A₄ in FIG. 40 to in turn apply of a slight amount ofpressure to modules 210 via pusher elements 244 that will tend to forcebonding surfaces 218 of modules 210 into tight engagement with thelingual sides of teeth T₁ and T₂ prior to, and during, the subsequentcuring of adhesive 236 to thereby enhance the quality of the adhesivebond between modules 210 and teeth T₁ and T₂.

As shown in FIG. 40, pusher elements 244 may be dimensioned such thatbonding surfaces 218 of modules 210 extend outwardly from deliverymember 212 a greater distance than pusher elements 244, which tends tomaximize the exposure of bonding surfaces 218 of modules 210 to theirrespective teeth T₁ and T₂, and also tends to prevent adhesive 236 fromflowing over the ends of modules 210 and contacting pusher elements 244.

Referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, after the adhesive 236 is cured, deliverymember 212 is removed by lifting same in a generally upward direction(downward if teeth T₁ and T₂ are maxillar) in a direction generallyalong arrow A₂ in FIG. 42 opposite the insertion direction describedabove, i.e., in a direction from the gum surface toward the occlusalsurfaces of T₁ and T₂ and through occlusal plane OP. Prior to this,delivery member 212 may be moved slightly lingually to release pusherelements 244 from contact with modules 210. Then, delivery member 212 isremoved from the oral cavity of the patient along the general directionof arrow A₁ in FIG. 42.

After removal of delivery member 212, the teeth T₁ and T₂ may movetoward one another and the planar interproximal surfaces 230 of modules210 will typically directly engage one another by their mutual magneticattraction, as shown by arrows A₅ in FIG. 41, to thereby aid inretaining teeth T₁ and T₂ in their positions adjacent one another. Inparticular, migration of teeth T₁ and T₂ away from one another isresisted by the magnetic attraction between modules 210, and relativelingual/facial movement of teeth T₁ and T₂ is also resisted by themagnetic engagement of modules 210 along their aligned magnetic axesMA-MA. Further, twisting or rotational movement of one tooth relative tothe other is also resisted by the mutual engagement of planarinterproximal surfaces 230 of modules 210.

The foregoing procedure may be repeated in a manner in which modules 210are applied to retain a series of teeth in the dental arch, with theseries of teeth mutually retained in their positions by the sets ofmodules 210. For example, as shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, five sets ofcooperating retainer modules 210 have been placed on the lingual sidesof the first and second incisors and cuspids of a dental arch to retainthese teeth in position. Advantageously, because modules 210 are freelycoupled to delivery member 212, with independent movement of modules 210with respect to delivery member 212 allowed during placement of modulesas described above, modules 210 will seek their optimal positions on theteeth when secured to their respective teeth based on the shape of thelingual surfaces of the teeth. In this manner, as shown with the pair ofmodules to the right in FIG. 43B, the magnetic axes MA of a pair ofmodules 210 of a cooperating set need not be precisely aligned with oneanother for the interproximal surfaces 230 of the modules 210 to engageone another for retention of the teeth.

Although the magnetic attraction between the magnets 214 of a pair ofadjacent modules 210 is sufficient to provide a light, constantattractive force for retaining the adjacent teeth in their desiredpositions, such force is generally sufficiently weak such that a patientmay still apply dental floss between the teeth and the modules 210 forproper hygiene. In some cases, the dental floss may initially separatethe teeth from one another when inserted between the teeth, also causinga slight separation between the modules 210 of the teeth to allow thedental floss to pass between modules 210. In other cases, the dentalfloss may initially directly contact the modules 210 to force sameslightly apart from one another to allow the dental floss to passtherebetween. In either case, upon withdrawal of the dental floss, thecontact surfaces 230 of the modules 210 will immediately re-engage withone another as described above to retain the adjacent teeth.

While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary designs,the present disclosure may be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using itsgeneral principles.

1. An orthodontic retainer system for use on teeth, comprising: a pairof retainer modules, each comprising: a cover member made of a first,biocompatible material and including an interproximal surface; a magnetreceived within said cover member; and a tooth-facing bonding surface;and a delivery member including a strip of material disposed betweensaid retainer modules, said interproximal surfaces of said cover membersin direct engagement with respective opposite sides of said strip withsaid retainer modules coupled to said strip by mutual magneticattraction of said magnets.
 2. The retainer system of claim 1, whereineach said retainer module includes a magnetic axis, said magnetic axesof said retainer modules substantially aligned and rotationallypositioning said retainer modules with respect to each other such thatsaid bonding surfaces of said retainer modules are disposedsubstantially parallel to one another.
 3. The retainer system of claim1, wherein each retainer module further comprises an exposedtooth-facing bonding surface of said magnet that is not covered by saidrespective cover member.
 4. The retainer system of claim 3, wherein eachretainer module further comprises a cap of adhesive covering saidbonding surface of said magnet.
 5. The retainer system of claim 4,wherein each said cover member includes an open end with a rim defininga recess adjacent said bonding surface, said cap of adhesive disposedwithin said recess.
 6. The retainer system of claim 1, wherein eachretainer module further comprises a layer of adhesive disposed betweeneach said magnet and its respective cover member, said layer of adhesivesecuring said magnet within said cover member.
 7. The retainer system ofclaim 1, wherein said delivery member comprises: a gripping portionextending along a gripping portion axis; and a retention portionextending along a retention portion axis, said gripping portion joinedto said retention portion at an angle such that said delivery member issubstantially L-shaped.
 8. The retainer system of claim 1, wherein saiddelivery member includes a pair of pusher elements, said pusher elementsrespectively engageable with said retainer modules.
 9. The retainersystem of claim 1, wherein said delivery member is made of a metal andis covered by a release coating. 10-17. (canceled)